Shopping with your kids can be an utter disaster if you do not take the necessary precautions. Sometimes, they prove to be a real menace and get out of your control. Once they start troubling you, it becomes very stressful to manage them in the public. Some mothers find it very difficult to manage their upset kids and end up having a bad shopping experience. At the same time, there are smart mothers who know how to control their kids and fulfill their tasks.
Children are childish and they know to behave only in a particular manner unless you teach them. You need to take some initiative to handle your children all along your shopping spree. First, know exactly what you are shopping, how much time you will be spending and where you will be shopping. All these will help you to plan the day out properly and take care of your children in a perfect way. Given below are some useful tips to make shopping with kids stress free.
1. Preparation
Before going out for shopping you have to take care of a few things. First, make a set of rules for your children to follow. Tell them about the consequences they have to face if they break the rule. Be very tough on them and tell them that you are very serious about the rules and they have to follow it. Ensure that they understand everything you say. If required you can even reward them for their good behaviors at the end of the shopping. For example, you can buy them their favorite toys or have their favorite ice cream etc. All that matters is that they have to be very co-operative while you are shopping.
2. Fill their belly
A mom knows that the best way to pacify the kids is by filing their bellies. Most of the children are happy and behave in a good way if they are not hungry. They may become bugging only if something else is bothering them. Some mothers use a clever way to keep their children occupied while shopping. It is by providing their favorite foods in their hands so that they are engaged in eating from the pack all the time. They do not give importance to other things while they are engaged in eating. So the moms can shop freely without any problems from the kids. So, feeding in parts can also be very helpful when you are out shopping with your kids.
3. Play areas to your rescue
All of us are aware that children are very playful. Most of them may not like to behave in a restricted way when you take them along for shopping. They can never keep their hands off from mischief. Such children can be taken care of in a different way. Look for shopping malls that have play areas for kids. Before taking your kids there, ensure that they will be comfortable there with other kids around especially when you are not around. Also, ensure that there are elders to monitor the children. Some kids may not like the idea of playing in new places with new kids. So, have a proper idea about the play areas and then decide to leave your children there while you are shopping.
4. Involve the children
Another interesting way of shopping with your kids in a stress free manner is to involve them in your shopping. When you are shopping each item, ask them their opinion. They may tell you many things that you may not know. Sometimes you will end up buying the best items. This is one of the best ways to bond with your kids. They will not be bored too. The best thing is that your kids can learn a lot of things by shopping with you. They can use the experience to shop at times if you are not able to shop in case of some illness etc. If you take them with you, they will also learn the basics of shopping. You children will find it more enjoyable and interesting. They may not bother you with other things.
5. Online shopping
The best way to shop is to try online shopping. There is no need to make a set of rules or leave your children at the play area. All you need to do is open the browser from your favorite seat and then start your shopping from the comfort of your home. You can shop around for whatever you need and at the same time the children will be happy in their room or with their friends. There are various other benefits of shopping online. The most obvious reason is convenience. It saves a lot of time too. You will not feel tired as well. You need not find a particular time for online shopping. You can do it whenever you are free at home or even from your office. Buy all the items you need using your credit card. There is no better way of shopping stress free.
Via: Advice4parenting
